Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
  • B60R21/34—Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians
  • B60R21/36—Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians using airbags
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
  • B60R21/34—Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
  • B60R2021/0027—Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
  • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
  • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
  • B60R2021/165—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags reusable, e.g. in case of multiple collisions
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
  • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
  • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
  • B60R21/23—Inflatable members
  • B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
  • B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
  • B60R21/2338—Tethers
  • B60R2021/23386—External tether means
  • B60R2021/23388—External tether means having ends which are movable or detachable during deployment
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
  • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
  • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
  • B60R21/23—Inflatable members
  • B60R21/239—Inflatable members characterised by their venting means
  • B60R2021/2395—Inflatable members characterised by their venting means comprising means to control the venting
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
  • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
  • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
  • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
  • B60R21/217—Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
  • B60R21/2176—Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together the air bag components being completely enclosed in a soft or semi-rigid housing or cover

Definitions

• the invention relates to an airbag arrangement for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and to an airbag arrangement according to claim 15.
• Gas bag arrangements are known from the prior art, which have an inflatable gas bag for the protection of pedestrians, which extends in the inflated state along the vehicle front, in particular along the windshield of the vehicle, in order to collide with the pedestrian in a collision of the vehicle of the pedestrian on this vehicle area.
• Such an airbag arrangement is z. As described in EP 1 349 752 B1.
• the problem underlying the invention is to provide an airbag arrangement for protecting a pedestrian or other person outside the vehicle, which person can be mounted in the vehicle in the simplest possible and cost-saving manner.
• an airbag arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided with
• An airbag which is deployed to protect a person located outside of the vehicle outside along at least a portion of the windscreen and / or another portion of an outer side of the motor vehicle; a housing in which the gas bag is arranged, the housing being different from a cover extending in front of the windscreen of a receiving region of the motor vehicle, and wherein
• the housing is designed so that it is the gas bag - based on the vehicle-mounted state of the airbag assembly - at least partially to the
• the cover is e.g. an engine hood that covers an engine compartment of the vehicle.
• the cover may be e.g. also cover a boot space provided in the front area of the vehicle if the vehicle engine is located in the rear of the vehicle.
• the housing of the gas bag arrangement according to the invention encloses the gas bag at least partially also in the region of the cover, which protects the gas bag and optionally further components housed in the housing, in particular against environmental influences (such as moisture and / or dust) and e.g. at the same time ensures the position of the folded airbag.
• the gas bag assembly according to the invention can be preassembled and handled in the preassembled state until mounted on the vehicle without additional measures, so that there is no need to fix the airbag assembly immediately after its production in the vehicle (on the cover). This reduces e.g. the logistical effort in vehicle production. It is also conceivable that the housing completely encloses the gas bag.
• the housing comprises, for example, a first and a second housing part, wherein the first housing part has an opening for insertion of the gas bag into the housing and the second housing part at least partially covers the opening in the first housing part and after mounting the gas bag arrangement in the motor vehicle the gas bag to the Cover towards covering, ie at least partially between the first housing part and the cover (eg the hood of the vehicle) is located. It is conceivable, of course, that the second housing part completely covers the opening for insertion of the gas bag and z. B. tightly closes. In addition, the second housing part after mounting the airbag assembly in the vehicle at least approximately parallel to the cover.
• the first housing part is dimensionally stable than the second housing part, ie, the first housing part is formed from a less flexible material than the second housing part.
• the z. B. has a thickness of less than 1 mm or less than 0, 5 mm (eg, about 0.2 mm).
• the film is z.
• the first housing part is in particular connected to the second housing part, wherein the connection between the two housing parts z. B. is realized by material connection, such as by a welded or glued connection.
• the connection between the first and the second housing part is particularly tight, so that penetration of moisture and / or foreign bodies (dust) is counteracted in the housing.
• the first housing part is formed, for example (approximately in one piece), from a metal or a plastic.
• the first housing part forms a limited by a bottom and an angle from the bottom or vertically projecting side wall recording, in which the gas bag is arranged.
• the first housing part is formed like a trough, i. with a circumferential sidewall extending from a (e.g., substantially planar) floor.
• the first housing part has a tear-open, which releases an opening under the pressure of the unfolding gas bag, through which the gas bag can escape from the housing.
• the tear-open area is formed by a weakening (for example in the form of a perforation and / or a material dilution) of the material of the first housing part.
• the tear-open area is formed by a weakening of a side wall and / or a bottom of the first housing part.
• the weakening (or the plurality of weakenings) runs in particular at least in sections in a line-like manner (for example in a straight line).
• the weakening area forming the tearing region may extend adjacent to an opening in the first housing part which serves to introduce the gas bag into the housing (see above).
• the distance between the weakening and the covered by the second housing part opening in the first housing part is less than 10 mm.
• the first housing part has at least one fastening structure, via which it can be connected to the vehicle (in particular with the engine hood).
• the attachment structure is in the form of an attachment formed opening through the z. B. a projecting from the hood threaded bolt or a locking element can be passed and so the gas bag assembly is screwed or locked with a portion of the hood.
• the hood may have an undercut forming attachment structures into which the first housing part is inserted during assembly.
• the aforementioned attachment structures can be reduced in number, since a correspondingly executed circumferential attachment is no longer necessary.
• the gas bag has a plurality of chambers, which are separated from each other by at least one flexible separating element.
• the flexible separating element is designed in the form of a tether.
• the gas bag has at least one first, second and third chamber, which extend in the unfolded state of the gas bag behind the other along the windshield of the vehicle, wherein the second chamber is between the first and the third chamber and the second chamber, for example. is separated from the first chamber via a first separating element and from the third chamber via a second separating element.
• the first separating element extends at least approximately along a first plane and the second separating element along a second plane oriented at an angle to the first plane.
• first and the second separating element are each connected to a first portion of spaced apart portions of an inner side of the gas bag with this and with a second portion with portions of the inside of the gas bag, which adjoin one another, overlap or are identical.
• first and the second separating element form a sectional view (section along a plane defined by the vehicle longitudinal and vehicle height direction) and a "V" relative to the inflated state of the gas bag.
• the first and the second separating element are, for example, two separate separating elements (eg tethers). However, it is also possible that the first separating element is integrally connected to the second separating element, ie the first and the second separating element are formed by different sections of a continuous separating element (eg a tether).
• the gas bag arrangement can furthermore have a gas generator for inflating the gas bag and a flexible gas guide device extending in the interior of the gas bag for guiding the gas generated by the gas generator. For example, extends the flexible gas guide, the z. B. tubular formed from a gas bag material, from the gas generator into one or more chambers of the gas bag into it.
• the gas bag arrangement according to the invention can also have a device for moving at least one section of the inflated gas bag out of the field of vision of the vehicle driver.
• the means for moving comprises at least one connecting element which is connected directly to both the gas bag and the vehicle, wherein the connecting element is elastic or the gas bag arrangement remindstellkrafter Wegungsstoff, via which the connecting element is then indirectly connected to the vehicle ,
• the device for moving is arranged, for example, on the driver's side (of course also on the driver and passenger side possible) and allows for the deployment of the airbag and a possible impact of a pedestrian, the view forward, especially for the driver.
• the device for moving can be designed to be self-controlling. It is also possible that the means for moving through a control unit (Electronic Control Unit - ECU) is controlled and activated via the ECU.
• the restoring force generating means have, for example, a return mechanism, which is arranged in particular in the housing of the airbag arrangement. In a self-controlling design, the return mechanism could, for example, a take-up reel on which the connecting element is at least partially wound prior to deployment of the airbag and which cooperates with a coil spring having.
• an actuator is provided, via which the connecting element can be moved.
• an actuator for example, an electric motor, which a Take-up reel drives, or be provided a pyrotechnically driven piston-cylinder unit.
• the gas bag arrangement has a device for lowering the internal pressure in the gas bag.
• a device for lowering the internal pressure By the means for lowering the internal pressure, e.g. also the degradation of the airbag internal pressure after a predeterminable time be given a different course, in concrete e.g. force a faster lowering so that e.g. for moving (retracting) the airbag with the aid of the above-described device for moving the airbag, lower forces must be applied.
• the device for lowering the airbag internal pressure can also be used e.g. self-controlling (for example as a self-adaptive outflow opening) or is actuated and activated by an ECU. The latter can take place, for example, at a predefinable time after activation of the gas generator.
• the device for lowering the internal pressure comprises one or more outflow openings, the z. B. are self-adaptive or whose Abströmquerites can be actively controlled (eg., Via a corresponding actuator).
• Suitable means for lowering the airbag internal pressure are z. B. in the German patent applications DE 10 2005 039 418.3 from 16.08.2005 and DE 10 2006 010 953.8 from 03.03.2006, to which reference is expressly made.
• the invention in a second aspect, relates to an airbag arrangement, with
• An airbag which is deployed to protect a person located outside of the vehicle outside along at least a portion of the windscreen and / or another portion of an outer side of the motor vehicle;
• the device comprises at least one connecting element which is connected to the gas bag and connectable to the vehicle, and wherein - The device comprises a guide device in which the connecting element is at least partially guided along an edge of the inflated airbag.
• the airbag arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention therefore does not necessarily have to have the housing of the above-described first aspect of the invention.
• the gas bag has in particular two congruent gas bag layers (material layers), which limit the inflatable volume of the gas bag.
• the two gas bag layers lie on one another, the circumference of the gas bag layers defining the "edge" of the gas bag
• the edge of the inflated gas bag is also defined along at least a portion of this edge of the gas bag, ie, in particular along the peripheral seam, extends the (eg band-like or rope-like configured) connecting element.
• the connecting element is at least partially guided by means of a guide device along a portion of the edge of the inflated airbag, at least approximately parallel to a plane defined by the vehicle transverse and vehicle height direction plane and / or parallel to a through the Anlagenlteils- and Vehicle height direction spanned plane extends.
• a first section of the connecting element runs along an upper subsection of the airbag edge (which extends parallel to a plane spanned by the vehicle transverse and vehicle height direction) and a second section along a lateral subsection of the airbag rim, wherein the second section extends in particular on the driver's side and extends parallel to a plane defined by the vehicle longitudinal and the vehicle height direction plane.
• the guide device may have at least one protruding from the inflated airbag loop through which the connecting element is passed. It is conceivable that the portion of the connecting element extending along the gas bag edge is guided in a single, continuous loop. However, it is also possible that the guide device has a plurality of loops spaced apart from each other. The at least one loop is for example a separate part which is connected to the gas bag. However, it is also conceivable that the loop (s) is (are) integrally formed with the gas bag, for example as an extension of at least one of the two gas bag layers.
• the device for moving at least one partial section of the inflated gas bag is designed in particular as described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention, for example, the connecting element is elastically formed It is also possible to use an active return mechanism, which can be triggered, for example, via an ECU signal, as described above also a vehicle with an airbag arrangement designed as described above.
• FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle in plan view with an airbag arrangement according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 2 is a sectional view through the vehicle of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 is a detail view of Fig. 2;
• FIG. 4 shows the gas bag arrangement according to the invention from FIG. 1 after activation of the gas bag
• Fig. 5 is a sectional view through the vehicle of Fig. 4;
• FIG. 6 shows an airbag arrangement in the activated state according to a further embodiment
• Fig. 7 shows a variant of a return mechanism of a return device in
• Exploded view; and 8A to 8C show an embodiment of a pressure reducing device.
• Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an arranged on a motor vehicle 1 gas bag assembly according to the invention in the form of a gas bag module 2.
• the gas bag module 2 is disposed in the transition region between a windshield (windshield 1 1) and a cover in the form of an engine hood 12 of the vehicle. More precisely, the complete gas bag module 2 is located in the non-activated state below the engine hood 12 and along an edge region 121 of the engine hood 12 facing the windscreen 11, so that the gas bag module 2 extends its greatest extent essentially transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction x (direction of travel). has.
• Fig. 2 shows a section through the vehicle along A-A in Fig.1. The windshield 12 connects to the engine compartment of the vehicle towards a cowl 13.
• the gas bag module 2 extends at least in sections above the bonnet.
• the area above the bonnet of such a gas bag module (in particular of the housing) is in this case e.g. designed differently than in the arrangement below the hood, as other requirements, e.g. in terms of design and / or aerodynamics.
• the gas bag module 2 has a housing 21 in which a folded gas bag 22 (eg in the form of a gas bag package) and a gas generator 23 for inflating the gas bag 22 are located.
• the housing 21 comprises a first and a second housing part 21 1, 212, wherein the first housing part 21 1 dimensionally stable than the second housing part 212 is formed.
• the second housing part 212 covers an opening 21 1 1 in the first housing part 21 1, wherein the opening 21 1 1 serves as an insertion opening, via which the airbag 22 is inserted into the housing 21.
• the first housing part 21 1 is provided with a trough-shaped depression, which has a hood 12 facing away from the bottom 21 16 of a circumferential and from the bottom 21 16 in the direction of the hood 12 extending side wall 21 17 completely is bordered.
• the bottom region 21 16 has, in its region facing the windshield 11, an essentially plane-extending first section, which is adjoined by a second section provided with a curvature, the curved second section forming a receptacle in which the gas generator 23 is arranged is.
• An upper edge 21 18 of the circumferential side wall 21 17 defines the opening 21 1 1, related is closed by the second housing part 212 to the state of the airbag module 2 installed in the vehicle.
• the encircling side wall 21 17 has a first area 21 19 (deployment area), which extends substantially transversely to the direction of travel x and faces the windshield 11, a zone spaced from the first area in the direction of travel x and the windshield extending transversely to the direction of travel x 12 remote from the second region 2120 and two the first and the second region 21 19 and 2120 interconnecting side regions 2121, 2122.
• the side portions 2121, 2122 extend substantially in the direction of travel x and are spaced transversely to the direction of travel from each other.
• the two housing parts 21 1, 212 are in particular materially connected to each other, for example via a connection region in which portions of the first and the second housing part 21 1, 212 overlap.
• the connecting region comprises a contact portion 24 of the first housing part 21 1, the flange of the upper edge 21 18 of the peripheral side wall 21 17 of the first housing 21 1 protrudes and e.g. at least approximately flat, as well as at least approximately at right angles from the circumferential side wall 21 17 kinks and parallel to the hood 12 extends.
• connection of the housing parts 21 1, 212 is in particular made tight in order to protect the module components located in the housing from the action of moisture and foreign bodies.
• a configured gas bag module has the degree of protection IP5K7 and upwards.
• both housing parts 21 1, 212 may be made of plastic. Since the second housing part 212 (eg completely) will be covered by stable sections of the engine hood 12, the requirements for the second housing part 212 with respect to strength and dimensional stability in its design are relatively low. In particular, as mentioned, eg the parts of the gas bag module located inside the housing are to be realized against environmental influences until the gas bag module is installed in the vehicle and the interior of the housing is sealed by the second housing part 212 over the vehicle life. This opens up the possibility of making the second housing part 212 less dimensionally stable than the first housing part 21 1, for example as a PE film, which can also contribute to weight reduction.
• the first housing part 21 1 has attachment structures in the form of fastening extensions 21 12, which protrude from the edge 21 18 of the first housing part 21 1 and the mounting holes 21 13, wherein the first housing part 21 1 (and thus the entire gas bag module 2) via the mounting holes 21 13 is attached to the engine block 12.
• Some of the attachment extensions 21 12 are formed tab-like, for example, their width along the edge 21 18 of the first housing part 21 1 about its length perpendicular to the edge 21 18 of the first housing part 21 1 or smaller than the length.
• Others of the attachment extensions 21 12 are flange-shaped, ie their width along the edge 21 18 of the first housing part 21 1 is significantly greater than its length perpendicular to the edge 21 18 of the first housing part 21 first For example, the width is at least three times the length.
• the hood 12 has in the region of the fastening extensions 21 12 reinforcements (stiffening / reinforcing parts 122) on which threaded bolts are arranged, which protrude through the fastening openings 21 13 in the first housing part 21 1 and are provided with nuts.
• the execution of the attachment of the first housing part 21 1 to the hood 12 can be supplemented or replaced by other types of fastening instead of a screw connection.
• An example of this is the execution of the connection as a latching connection.
• the first housing part 21 1 is furthermore provided with recesses 21 14 for assemblies arranged on the engine hood 12 (for example the nozzles of the windscreen washer system and / or their tubing) and with at least one receptacle 21 for subassemblies to be integrated into the airbag module 2.
• a subassembly could be, for example, a receptacle (housing) of a return mechanism for retrieving the unfolded airbag (as explained in connection with FIG. 4 below) or an actuator system for lowering the internal airbag pressure (as also explained below).
• the attachment of the first housing part 21 1 on the hood is such that the opening 21 1 1 is used to insert the folded airbag 22 and the gas generator 23 in the housing 2, the hood 12 faces. In particular, the opening 21 1 1 at least almost completely covered by the hood 12, so that the hood 12 also provides a mechanical protection of the built-in airbag module.
• the airbag module 2 can stiffen the hood 12 such that there is no additional This effort for the storage of the gas bag module is necessary or the cost can be reduced compared with prior gas bag modules.
• the housing 2 of the airbag module 1 itself can act as a stiffening element or carry itself.
• a reinforcing plate 25 may be provided.
• the reinforcing plate 25 is secured to one or more of the attachment extensions 21 12, e.g. between the nuts used for fastening the first housing part 21 1 on the hood 12 and the first housing part 21 1 is clamped.
• the reinforcing plate 25 is e.g. designed so that it at the same time the attachment of the gas generator 23 (and thus of the airbag 22) on the first housing part 21 1 is used. This happens e.g. by means of threaded bolts, which protrude from the gas generator 23, and with these engaged nuts.
• a device for grounding the airbag module 2 can be provided on the reinforcing plate 25.
• FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, namely in the edge region 121 of the engine hood 12 facing the windshield 12.
• FIG. 3 shows possible courses of tear-open regions which are under the pressure of the unfolding Crack the gas bag and release an opening through which the gas bag can escape from the housing 21.
• the tear-open region by weakening in the first housing part 21 1, for example adjacent to the connection region over which the first and the second housing part 21 1, 212 are mutually adjacent, ie adjacent to the abutment section 24 of the first Housing part 21 1.
• the weakenings limit the opening formed by the airbag deploying (along the direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 3).
• a tear-open region 26 is replaced by weakenings 27 (predetermined breaking areas) in which the bonnet 12 is attached. turned sidewall portion 21 19 of the first housing part 21 1 introduced.
• the weakenings 27 are linear (continuous or intermittent) and are formed for example in the form of depressions, the weakenings 27 in their entirety forming the tear region.
• a weakening 27 extends in the sidewall region 21 19 along the upper edge 21 18, i. the weakening 27 extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction and in the vicinity (eg with a distance of less than 10 mm) from the upper edge 21 18.
• the weakening 27 may also extend into the side regions 2121, 2122 of the first housing part 21 1 and / or in a transition region (having a curvature) between the region 21 19 and the side regions 2121, 2122 extend.
• weakenings 27 extend towards the bottom 21 16, extending (e.g., predominantly) in the sidewall region 21 19, and e.g. also in the bottom 21 16 of the first housing part 21 1 hineinver secured.
• the weakenings 27 may extend in the side regions 2121, 2122, respectively disposed adjacent to the side wall region 21 19 and the bottom 21 16, or in the corresponding transition regions.
• the weakenings which form the tear-open region in the first housing part 21 1 end near the bottom 21 16, but do not extend into the bottom 21 16.
• the opening for the deploying airbag is essentially released only by a swiveling section 28 (shown dotted in FIG. 3) of the side wall region 21 19.
• the weakenings extend into the bottom 21 16 and further in the direction of the gas generator 23. Thus parts of the bottom 21 16 of the first housing part 21 1 can be pivoted together with the side wall area 21 19 to release the opening for the deploying airbag become.
• FIGS. 4 and 5 show the airbag arrangement 1 according to the invention in the activated state, i. with inflated airbag 22, wherein Fig. 4 is a plan view of the vehicle with the airbag assembly and Fig. 5 is a sectional view (along B-B in Fig. 4).
• the inflation of the gas bag 22 via the gas generator 23 takes place as a function of a control signal of an ECU 3, wherein parameters detected via sensors 4 are processed with respect to the vehicle state by the ECU 3. If, in the case of an immediately the above or already started collision with a person located outside the vehicle determined or deposited threshold or threshold values exceeded, the ECU 3 generates a control signal to activate the gas generator 23, whereupon the airbag 22 is inflated by the gases generated by the gas generator 23.
• a protective area (the protective area of the airbag, ie, in particular that area of the airbag that extends over the windscreen 12 and a portion of the engine hood 12 and the other front vehicle body facing the windshield 12) of the airbag, which protects the vehicle from colliding with the vehicle 22 is located, for example completely outside the engine compartment covered by the hood.
• the protective area of the gas bag 22 covers, in particular, the lower area of the windshield 12 as well as areas of the two A-pillars 14 of the vehicle adjoining the windshield 12. Furthermore, the protective area of the gas bag can be reduced to reduce its thickness perpendicular to the windscreen with inner dividing elements 1001, 1002, e.g.
• the chambers extend e.g. in its greatest extent ("main extension direction") substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel x, that is, the main extension direction of the chambers extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction, wherein the course of the chambers can be adapted to a curvature of the windshield 12.
• the chambers of the airbag 22 may also be in fluid communication with each other, e.g. about their the A-pillars 14 of the vehicle facing ends.
• the partitions between the chambers can be provided with overflow areas 300.
• the gas bag is filled via an injection region 221, which can be arranged both centrally and off-center (with respect to the main direction of extension of the inflated airbag 22, which extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction) and which is connected to the gas generator 23.
• a flexible gas guiding device 5 extends in the interior of the injection region 221 and extends into the protective area of the gas bag 2, branching there in the manner of a T branch for better filling of the outer regions of the protective area of the gas bag. That is, has a first portion 51 extending along the vehicle transverse direction and a second portion 52 extending substantially oppositely.
• the gas generator 23 is connected to another (in particular rigid) Gas guiding device 6 is provided, which directs the released gases in the direction of the protective region of the airbag 22.
• the gas-conducting device 5 in each case has a gas outlet opening at its two end regions. If required, gas outlet openings 53 can also be provided at the intermediate regions.
• the further gas-conducting device 6 is formed separately from the gas-conducting device 5, it likewise consists of a flexible material (eg a textile material, for example a gas-bag fabric). It is also possible that instead of the separate gas-conducting devices 5, 6, a single gas-conducting device is used.
• the gas bag 22 is formed, in particular, from two blanks (upper part and lower part), for example, which essentially cover one another, which are connected to one another in their edge regions by means of a peripheral seam 222. To improve the gas tightness under load, the peripheral seam 222 can be additionally sealed by special measures, for example by a coating with silicone.
• the injection area 221 and the protective area of the gas bag are an integral part of the two blanks.
• the protective area of the airbag in its hood 12 facing edge region is provided with a plurality of fixing straps 7, which are connected to the housing 21 of the airbag module 2 and the airbag 22 in addition to the motor vehicle fix.
• positioning straps 8 are provided on the gas bag 22 and extend between the gas bag 22 (between its protected area) and the windshield 11 (or its surround). With their one end region, the positioning belts 8 are connected to the housing 21 of the airbag module 2. The respective other end of the positioning strips 8 is fixed to a portion of the airbag 22, which rests against the windshield 1 1.
• the positioning bands 8 are intended to secure the position of the gas bag 22 (in particular its protective area) relative to the windshield 11 or to the A pillars 14, even if a force introduced by an impacting person acts on the airbag 22.
• the gas bag arrangement according to the invention can have a device (return device) for moving the inflated gas bag out of the field of view of the vehicle driver.
• the return device is preferably arranged on the driver's side (also possible on the driver's and front passenger's side) and after the deployment of the airbag 22 and the eventual impact of a person, the view forward, especially for the driver, again allow.
• the return device can be designed both self-controlling and by a control unit (ECU) can be controlled and activated.
• a return device 9 is provided which comprises a connecting element in the form of a return strap 91, which is connected at one end to the airbag 22 (on its side facing the windscreen 11).
• the return device 9 comprises restoring force generating means in the form of a return mechanism 92, which has, for example, a take-up reel with a spiral spring.
• a force is generated by the pressure building up inside the airbag, which force is transmitted to the take-up reel via the return belt 91, so that the spiral spring is tensioned.
• the spiral spring is unwound.
• the return device 9 Decreases the gas bag internal pressure, the force transmitted to the take-up reel reduces, whereupon the coil spring winds up again (relaxes) and thereby pulls the return strap 91 and thus the airbag 22 from the field of vision of the driver.
• the return mechanism 92 for example, an actuator, which realizes the return operation.
• an electric motor which drives the take-up reel, or pyrotechnically driven piston-cylinder unit could be provided.
• a device 70 for reducing the internal airbag pressure can be integrated into the airbag module 2.
• the degradation of the gas bag internal pressure after a certain time a different course can be given, so that the force applied for the retraction of the airbag 22 force is reduced, as already explained above.
• the device for lowering the airbag internal pressure can also be designed to be self-controlling (for example as a self-adaptive outflow opening) or be activated and thus activated by a control unit (ECU).
• ECU control unit
• the latter can be done, for example, at a fixed time after the activation of the gas generator.
• the gas bag module 2 can also be designed such that the gas bag 22 through an existing gap between the windshield 1 1 facing edge region of the hood 12 and the underlying can unfold a generic structure. If the gap is insufficient, a device for lifting the engine hood 12 can be provided. This may include the gas bag 22 itself, wherein in one variant, the lifting of the hood 12 by a targeted deformation of the hinge connection of the hood 12 is made possible. In another variant, the bonnet 12 is unlocked before lifting in the region of the hinges by means of a device controlled by the ECU 3. Additionally or alternatively, the device for lifting the bonnet 12 may comprise a separate device 10 (eg in the form of a linearly displaceable actuator) for lifting the bonnet, which may also be controlled by the ECU 3.
• a separate device 10 eg in the form of a linearly displaceable actuator
• FIG. 5 shows a section through the gas bag arrangement according to the invention according to FIG. 4.
• the gas bag 22 has three chambers 101 a-c, which extend one behind the other along the windshield 11.
• the subdivision of the gas bag 22 into the chambers 101 ac is effected by separating elements 1001, 1002 in the form of sections of a tether 100, which starts from an upper blank (upper part 230) to a lower blank (lower part 240) of the gas bag 22 and back again runs.
• the one-piece tether 100 also several (especially two) separate tethers can be used.
• the tether is fixed to the blanks 230, 240 via seams 102-104, wherein two end portions of the tether 100 are connected to spaced portions of the upper blank 230 and a middle portion of the tether 100 is connected to the lower blank 240.
• first portion 1001 first separating element
• second portion 1002 second separator
• the middle chamber 101b in particular in its region facing away from the windshield 11, assumes a shape through which the two adjacent chambers 101a, 101c are pressed against the windshield 11.
• the middle chamber 101 b itself, for example at least in sections, has no contact with the windshield 11.
• This shaping of the gas bag 22 can be assisted by a plurality of band-shaped or single-layer connections 60 which bridge the middle chamber 101 b and connect their adjacent areas (eg the chambers 101 a, 101 c) to each other and clamp them against one another.
• This design facilitates in particular the positioning tion of the protective area of the gas bag 22 on the windshield 1 1, which allows, for example, the waiver of the positioning belts 8 described in connection with FIG. 4.
• the forces which the gas bag introduces into the bonnet should be kept as low as possible.
• the dimensioning of the parts of the gas bag is important, which lie in its unfolded state in the exit region of the hood.
• the blowing region 221 of the gas bag 22 and the part of the flexible gas guiding device 5 extending therein are designed accordingly.
• Both are dimensioned such that their extent in the filled state of the gas bag 22 perpendicular to the flow direction (arrow A) of the gases immediately after exiting the fixed Gasleit worn 6 and perpendicular to the hood 12 in about the lowest passage height h (eg distance between the hood 12th and an underlying vehicle structure or between an upper portion of the first housing part 21 1 and a perpendicular to the deployment direction of the airbag the upper portion opposite lower portion of the first housing part 21 1) corresponds to the airbag at its deployment.
• h eg distance between the hood 12th and an underlying vehicle structure or between an upper portion of the first housing part 21 1 and a perpendicular to the deployment direction of the airbag the upper portion opposite lower portion of the first housing part 21
• the flexible gas-conducting device 5 is dimensioned so that it is in the filled state with an area located in the protected area (ie in particular outside the inflatable mouth 221) on parts inside the airbag (eg tethers such as the tether 100) and / or or areas of the outer shell (the upper and lower blank 230, 240) of the airbag 22 can create. This contact prevents, for example, that the flexible gas guide device 5 moves uncontrollably (fluttering around) during the filling of the airbag 22. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible gas guiding device 5 can be fixed to the gas bag 22 (for example by seams).
• FIG. 6 relates to a further embodiment of the connecting element designed as a return strap 91.
• the connecting element designed as a return strap 91.
• one end of the return strap 91 is also connected via a return mechanism 92 to the vehicle.
• the other end of the return strap 91 is not fixed to a central region of the inflated airbag 22, ie it is not fastened to a (flat) side of the airbag 22 facing the windshield 11.
• a portion of the return strap 91 runs along an outer edge 223 (ie, along the circumferential seam 222) of the airbag 22, with a first section 91 1 of the return strap 91 along an upper section 2231 of the airbag edge 223 and a second section 912 of the return strap 91 extends along a lateral section 2232 of the gas bag edge 223.
• the upper section 2231 of the airbag edge 223 is that of the two edge sections of the airbag 22 that are furthest from the engine hood 12 and extend parallel to a plane spanned by the vehicle transverse and vehicle height directions.
• the lateral portion 2232 extends in the area of the driver's side of the vehicle and in particular extends parallel to a plane spanned by the vehicle's longitudinal and vehicle height directions and passing through the A-pillar of the vehicle.
• the adjoining the second portion 912 end 9121 of the return strap 91 is fixed to the airbag 22 in the lateral edge portion 2232 or at a lower edge portion 2233 of the airbag 22.
• a section 913 of the return strap 91 extending between the return mechanism 92 and the first section 91 1 of the return strap 91 extends in a transverse region of the gas bag 22 relative to the vehicle transverse direction and transversely to the extent of the gas bag 22 in the vehicle transverse direction, the first section 91 1 of the return strap 91 angled (or curved) the section 913 connects, for example the portion 913 and the first portion 91 1 extend almost perpendicular to each other.
• the along the edge portions 2231, 2232 of the airbag 22 extending portions 91 1, 912 of the return tape 91 are guided by means of a guide device formed from a plurality of loops 400.
• the loops 400 are arranged at a distance from each other, wherein they have, for example, a constant distance a from each other.
• the distance a is 50 to 100 mm, in particular about 75 mm.
• the width b of the loops is for example a maximum of 30 mm, for example between 10 to 30 mm, in particular about 25 mm, in particular between 10 and 20 loops are provided.
• the loops 400 are arranged at constant distances from each other. It is also possible that the loops 400 do not have identical but different widths.
• the width of the loops is dimensioned such that they are moved towards each other when retrieving (retrieving) the return strap 91 (in the return direction R), eg until they lie against one another, so that the airbag 22 is folded, that is, between the loops 400 collared gas-bag areas, and the gas Sack 22 is thus removed as efficiently as possible from the field of vision of the driver.
• the length of the return strap 91 in particular the length of the portion 92 of the return strap 91 to be pulled in by the return mechanism 92
• the distance a and / or the width b of the loops 400 are matched to the desired end position of the airbag 22 after retrieval.
• FIG. 7 shows an exploded view in detail of a variant of a return mechanism 92 of the return device 9 accommodated in a two-part housing (compare FIG. 4).
• the return mechanism 92 a winding device in the form of a arranged in a first housing part 921 1 take-up reel 921 on which one end of the return tape 91 is fixed.
• the take-up spool 921 cooperates with a coil spring 914 via a shaft 915, and an inner end 9141 of the coil spring 914 engages an end portion (slot 9131) of the shaft 915.
• the coil spring 914 is accommodated in a second housing part 9212, wherein the second housing part 9212 is fixed to a flange region 9213 of the first housing part 921 1.
• FIGS. 8A to 8C relate to a variant of a device for reducing the inside gas pressure (pressure reduction device) 70, wherein FIGS. 8A and 8C show various sectional views and FIG.
• 8B shows a top view of the pressure reduction device 70.
• 8A and 8B illustrate the initial situation, ie the state of the gas bag 22 and the pressure reducing device 70 before activation of the pressure reducing device 70.
• the gas bag 22 has already been filled with the released gas after ignition of the gas generator 23 and has become deployed out of the module housing 21 along the windshield of the vehicle.
• the pressure reduction device 70 comprises an outflow opening 71 of the gas bag 22, which is closed by a section (cover part 721) of a covering device in the form of an inflatable element 72 extending channel-like along the inflated gas bag 22.
• the inflatable element 72 is connected to the airbag 22 by means of at least one detachable connection 73 (eg in the form of at least one tear seam).
• the connection 73 orbits the outflow opening 71.
• at least one fixed connection 75 may be provided between the inflatable element 72 and the gas bag 22. With its end 722 facing away from the cover part 721, the inflatable element 72 is secured to the vehicle (eg, on the module housing 21).
• the pressure reduction device 70 furthermore has a gas supply device in the form of a (in particular pyrotechnic) gas source 74 that is different from the gas generator 23 for inflating the inflatable element 52.
• the inflatable element 72 is correspondingly disposed on the vehicle such that the gas source 74 is in fluid communication with an inflatable volume of the inflatable element 72.
• the inflatable volume of the inflatable element 72 is bounded in particular by two connecting areas of two material layers (for example, from a gas bag material) which are fixedly connected to each other (in particular opposite one another).
• the material layers are connected to one another via a seam 76, wherein the seam 76, which likewise circumscribes the outflow opening 71 with an upper section, limits the inflatable volume of the inflatable element 72.
• Suitable embodiments of the inflatable element are described in the German Patent Application DE 10 2010 039 895, to which reference is made.
• FIG. 8C shows the situation after activating the pressure reducing device 70, ie after triggering of the gas source 74.
• the connections 73 finally lead to their destruction, so that the inflatable element 72 moves away from the airbag 22 at least in the region of the outflow opening 71 and thus releases the outflow opening 71.
• gas flows from the interior of the airbag 22 to the outside, causing a reduction in the gas bag internal pressure.
• the connection between the inflatable element 72 and the gas bag 22 via the additional fixed connection 75 also remains after the activation of the gas source 74.
• the connection 75 is designed as detachable (in particular also as a tearing connection), so that the gas bag 22 dissolves over a large area (eg completely from the inflatable element 72).

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Air Bags (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

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• 2011
  • 2011-10-27 DE DE102011085330A patent/DE102011085330A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2012
  • 2012-01-26 EP EP12704378.4A patent/EP2668070B1/de active Active
  • 2012-01-26 US US13/981,811 patent/US9073513B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2012-01-26 US US13/981,764 patent/US9994191B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2012-01-26 JP JP2013550879A patent/JP5819989B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2012-01-26 EP EP12704379.2A patent/EP2668071B1/de active Active
  • 2012-01-26 JP JP2013550877A patent/JP5758505B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2012-01-26 WO PCT/EP2012/051190 patent/WO2012101198A1/de not_active Ceased
  • 2012-01-26 WO PCT/EP2012/051188 patent/WO2012101196A1/de not_active Ceased
  • 2012-01-26 CN CN201280006689.8A patent/CN103338982B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related

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